Author Archives: Laudan

Muzzall maternity-support bills approved by Senate

House already taking action on lowering costs for maternal care

OLYMPIA… The state Senate has now approved the final piece of legislation sponsored by Sen. Ron Muzzall focused on improving maternal supports. Part of a package, Senate Bill 5581 was approved in late February and is awaiting a public hearing in the House of Representatives. Today, the body unanimously approved Senate Bill 5580, which would direct the state Health Care Authority to support extended post-delivery hospital care for women struggling with substance-use disorders.

Senate Bill 5581 would require the state insurance commissioner to work with health care providers toward strategies to lower if not eliminate deductibles for maternal-support services and postpartum care.

“Motherhood is a beautiful thing but sometimes the support they need isn’t there and the costs associated with childbirth make a challenging life event even more so,” Muzzall said. “For low-income women and women struggling with addiction who choose life, I want the state to be there with services, support and compassion.”

Under Muzzall’s proposal, the services for pregnant and postpartum women are expanded to those up to 210% of the federal poverty level. It also directs the state Health Care Authority to create a post-delivery program transitional program for women with substance use disorder at the time of delivery allowing for extended post-delivery hospital care.

Muzzall argues, “Giving birth is life changing, and if there is a chance these mothers can get clean, we should utilize the hospital care to treat them and help break that addiction for their new baby. We also need HCA to look at outcomes for these newborns and their moms.”

By January 2025, the HCA is directed update its Maternity Support Services program by collecting data, updating screening tools, and evaluations aimed at healthier birth outcomes.

Muzzall fentanyl test strip bill gets unanimous vote

Opioid overdose deaths have been skyrocketing in Washington State. King County saw over 1,000 overdose deaths last year and 70% of the victims had fentanyl in their system. While legislators recently approved a measure to deal with drug possession and treatment, legislation sponsored by Sen. Ron Muzzall to help reduce immediate harm received unanimous approval in the state Senate today.

Senate Bill 5022 would remove fentanyl testing strips from the list of illegal drug paraphernalia. Many jurisdictions around the state are already distributing these test strips but are doing so illegally.

“It no secret that communities around our state are being deeply affected by the opioid epidemic. While we have some work to do to get at the root causes, we can at least deal with the effects by providing life-saving interventions,” said Muzzall, R-Oak Harbor. “Like the state did with Narcan in 2020, we need to change this law so that this deadly fentanyl scourge will hopefully take fewer lives.”

In addition to delisting test strips, Muzzall’s bipartisan legislation would allow public health and community organizations to either sell or provide the test strips.

“People struggling with addiction know that they’re doing is harmful, but they likely are not intending to ingest a substance as deadly as fentanyl,” Muzzall lamented. “I don’t want people to be doing drugs in the first place, but I certainly don’t want them do die unwittingly. Removing test strips from the classification and engaging community partners will hopefully put a dent in the number of overdose deaths we are seeing.”

The House of Representatives will now take up Muzzall’s bill in the public hearing process. They must move it out of committee and vote to approve the proposal by April 12.

Help is on the way to clear derelict structures under Muzzall legislation

Who is responsible for cleaning up aquatic ruins like dilapidated piers or crumbling bulkheads? The state Department of Natural Resources is tasked with the job, but the process is still murky.

Senate Bill 5433, sponsored by state Sen. Ron Muzzall, is focused on shoring up the program to keep state-owned aquatic lands hazard free and environmentally sound.

The bipartisan proposal would establish a derelict structure removal program under the auspices of the DNR for qualifying projects. In addition, it would direct the agency to create a grant program for private lessees of state aquatic lands in need of financial assistance to keep nearshore habitats healthy.

“My district has so many miles of shoreline and the maritime industry keeps it thriving, but that doesn’t come without its challenges,” said Muzzall, R-Oak Harbor. “Our state’s waterways have been plagued by derelict vessels and I’m proud to have sponsored this legislation to address a different kind, but no less hazardous, obstacle in our waters.”

The program that would be created under the bill sponsored by Muzzall is like the existing one focused on removal of derelict ships, but would look at larger, often man-made structures that present different challenges for removal. The bill outlines criteria for classification as a derelict structure and options for the DNR to collaborate and appropriately respond.

“These structures can be a blight but also a hazard to navigation and pose significant environmental risks that can’t be overlooked,” Muzzall said. “We need this clarification in the law so that the DNR can work with local partners to protect this invaluable resource.”

Under the proposal, the Department of Natural resources has until July 2024 to establish eligibility criteria for the proposed grant program but must begin developing and prioritizing projects by January 2024. DNR would be directed to prioritize the removal and remediation of the most precarious structures at risk of collapsing, obstructing navigation or posing significant environmental risks.

The measure was passed unanimously Monday by the state Senate and now heads to the House of Representatives for consideration.

Senate approves Muzzall’s bill to expand unemployment for district workers

Today, the state Senate approved legislation sponsored by state Senator Ron Muzzall, R-Oak Harbor, aimed at helping dislocated workers in the 10th District. The bipartisan measure, Senate Bill 5621, would redefine dislocated workers for the purposes of unemployment insurance for the specific purpose of helping now jobless residents when the state denied renewing a longstanding aquaculture lease in late 2022.

“Regulation is sometimes necessary. Sometimes its effects are downright cruel,” said Muzzall, the leading Republican on the Senate’s agriculture committee. “Our district has seen the unfortunate closure of an important industry because of regulatory actions by the state. The impacts on the families who work in that industry are real.”

The state has been targeting the net pen industry for closure for years, but the policy has not been without criticism, drawing legal challenges by the industry. Commissioner of Public Lands, Hilary Franz heralded an end to the practice of commercial net pen fish farming in Washington during a news conference in 2022, arguing that the practice interferes with the recovery of native fish populations.

“While there is disagreement over the value of certain types of fish farming in Washington waters, the people who work in these operations are our neighbors and deserve our help,” Muzzall added.

The legislation, which was approved unanimously, is a targeted approach aimed at helping the nearly 40 employees at Cooke Aquaculture facilities in Skagit Bay. It now heads to the House of Representatives for consideration.

Muzzall says drug possession fix a ‘step toward a solution’

The state Senate worked late into the evening this past Friday, struggling over a bipartisan compromise to state drug possession laws. In 2021, the state Supreme Court handed down its Blake decision, which ruled Washington’s felony drug possession law was unconstitutional. Since the Legislature was still in session, it approved a stopgap measure during the 2021 session that was set to expire in July of this year.

Sen. Ron Muzzall, R-Oak Harbor, voted in favor of Senate Bill 5536, which was approved by a mixed vote after hours of contentious negotiations and floor debate. The proposal would create a schedule of drug possession offense levels and diversion programs, would define prosecutorial deferrals, would clarify sentencing requirements, and would allocate resources for implementation. Muzzall issued the following statement:

“We spent nearly six hours working on this Blake fix Friday night. It isn’t perfect, but I’m proud of the individuals who spent so much time over the past weeks working on a compromise that I feel good about voting for. This legislation gives a path for people struggling with addiction to get them into treatment and that is needed, but it also balances the need for consequences and accountability, which has been sorely lacking since 2021.

“While there was a great deal of discussion on the Senate floor that characterized the drug offenders as victims, there was really no mention of the people, businesses and communities that were being victimized. Some seemed content to gloss over the rise in theft, broken storefronts, vandalism and proliferation of encampments along our roadways. The people I represent deserve a solution to this problem that only seems to be getting worse. Hopefully, this legislation is a step toward a real solution.”

A Time for Voting

Greetings Friends,

We’re now past the halfway mark of the 2023 legislative session and things have been busy. There was a series of deadlines over last several weeks that have significantly cut down the number of legislative proposals that could eventually make it to the governor’s desk. Over the past few days, we’ve been working late into the evenings debating and voting on bills on the Senate floor.

While some like to focus on varying political divisions, the reality is that the work in the state Legislature, especially in the Senate, features civil discussions about policies that seek to make life better or Washingtonians. Don’t get me wrong, there are some proposals that have or will come before me that are challenging. However, the lion’s share of bills we are voting on are overwhelmingly bipartisan.

I’m pleased that several bills that I have sponsored have been approved by the state Senate this session. I have introduced proposals on issues ranging from fentanyl testing equipment to programs for Washington agricultural products, telemedicine and maternal health.

Focus on health care

This past week, the Senate approved SB 5581, which was part of a package of maternal care proposals I announced earlier in the session. This bill would require insurance companies to work with health-care providers to develop strategies to reduce deductibles for maternal support services and postpartum care. The other legislation, Senate Bill 5580, has been pulled from the Senate Rules Committee and will soon be voted on the Senate floor. This helps low-income mothers struggling with addiction receive better, longer care aimed at improving outcomes for them and their new babies. You can read more about these approaches to supporting mothers by clicking here.

It no secret that communities around our state are being deeply affected by the opioid epidemic. While the root causes are being debated and worked on, we can at least deal with the effects by providing life-saving interventions. I sponsored Senate Bill 5022, which would make fentanyl testing equipment legal. Many jurisdictions around the state are already distributing these test strips but doing so illegally. We heard in committee that there were over 1,000 overdose deaths in King County last year and 70% of the victims had fentanyl in their system. Like the state did with Narcan in 2020, we need to change this law.

Farmers Market Supporting agriculture

Our district is blessed with a bountiful agricultural industry, with many smaller farms and producers that offer unique products. Washington holds further distinction nationally by lacking ways to help these ag producers brand and promote their products. That is why I sponsored Senate Bill 5341, which cleared the state Senate recently. It would help consumers support local agriculture and make local producers more competitive across the country.

Regulation is sometimes necessary. Sometimes its effects are downright cruel. Our district has seen the unfortunate closure of an important industry as a result of regulatory actions by the state. While some could disagree about the benefits or harms of aquaculture, the impacts on the families who work in that industry are real. They’re our neighbors and deserve our help. I expect Senate Bill 5621 to be voted on the Senate soon, before next Wednesday’s deadline. It would expand unemployment benefits to these dislocated workers that resulted from the denial of a finfish net pen lease.

A Parent’s Care

As seems to be the pattern with controversial and unpopular proposals, the legislative majority decided to pass Senate Bill 5599 late last night. If you haven’t been following, it’s legislation that purports to help at-risk youth suffering from mental distress, but in reality will only drive a wedge into hurting families. It’s a shame. During the committee hearings on the proposal, nearly 5,000 people signed in to testify in opposition, even organized groups from the LGBT community. That did not deter certain legislators. Please take a moment and watch my floor speech in opposition to this proposal.

Muzzall introduces maternity-support bills to ensure pregnant women have a real choice

While Democratic legislators advocate legislation that seems aimed at making Washington a destination for women seeking abortions, state Sen. Ron Muzzall has introduced two proposals aimed at aiding women who choose motherhood.

Senate Bill 5580 would direct the state Health Care Authority to support extended post-delivery hospital care for women struggling with substance-use disorders.

Senate Bill 5581 would require the state insurance commissioner to work with health-care providers toward strategies to lower if not eliminate deductibles for maternal-support services and postpartum care.

“The choice to end a pregnancy is not something I believe that women take lightly but there are all kinds of factors that go into that decision that I could never understand,” said Muzzall, R-Oak Harbor, who is assistant Republican leader on the Senate Health and Long Term Care Committee. “For women struggling that choose life, I want the state to provide support they need in motherhood. Reducing costs and providing maternal care is a strong start.”

On Tuesday, Democratic members on the health care-related committee endorsed Senate Joint Resolution 8202, which would amend the state constitution to cover the abortion rights established by Washington voters more than 30 years ago. Muzzall did not support the measure, saying there is absolutely no credible threat to abortion access, and therefore no need for another law.

“Unfortunately, I think the change in the constitution requested by Governor Inslee is more about performative politics than actually supporting women on an issue that has been long settled by the voters in our state,” Muzzall said. “My job is to represent my constituents and they have been clear that access to abortion is important. I stand by that. While my moral compass leads me to a different conclusion about life, I’m not going to demonize abortion or try to reduce access to abortion services, but it’s not something that I can personally support.”

Muzzall pushed back on Inslee’s description of those who disagree with the proposed amendment as “robbers.”

“No one is served by partisan name-calling over an emotionally charged issue. As a senator, I want to return civility in our political discourse. It’s a shame the governor won’t do the same. I think we can find common ground on the issue of abortion outside of the partisan heckling.

“There was a time not so long ago that we heard Democrats speak of reducing unintended pregnancies and making adoption more available and providing care and support for women who do carry their children to term. When did that become wrong? These bills would support women in ways that make choosing life the easier option. I can’t see why anyone would want to take that choice away.”

The abortion amendment was sent to the Senate Rules Committee, which will decide if it goes on the full Senate’s voting calendar.

Muzzall retains leadership position, garners new committee responsibilities

The 2023 legislative session is underway, and the Senate Republican Caucus recently held internal elections for caucus leadership positions and finalized assignments to standing committees. State Sen. Ron Muzzall was re-elected as the vice-chair of the caucus.

Muzzall is tasked with helping preside at internal meetings of the caucus and coordinating committee activities as a liaison between leadership and committee chairs. Before being elected as vice caucus chair, Muzzall served as the deputy whip for the Senate Republicans.

“It is an honor to have earned my colleagues’ trust to help our caucus work effectively for the state of Washington,” said Muzzall, R-Oak-Harbor. “Over the past two years serving as vice chair, I think my fellow senators have seen a real value from me in this leadership position. It is a great honor for me personally, and a benefit to the communities in the 10th Legislative District.”

In addition, Muzzall’s committee assignments have changed, adding more responsibility to his plate and a greater voice for agricultural interests in the district. Muzzall will serve as the ranking Republican on the Senate’s Agriculture, Water and Natural Resources Committee.

He will continue on the Senate’s Health and Long Term Care Committee, but now as the assistant ranking member. He also will serve on the Senate Ways and Means Committee, which handles budget and taxation issues. Muzzall also retains his position on the influential Senate Rules Committee, which controls which bills come to the floor for a vote by the entire Senate.

“This session, I’ve opted to take on a fair deal of extra responsibilities for our district and the caucus,” Muzzall added. “As a farmer, I’ve never been afraid of hard work and with all of the critical issues facing our state, I’m excited to engage even more in the legislative process.”

Muzzall is a fourth-generation farmer on Whidbey Island. A graduate of Washington State University, he has been involved in numerous industry associations, county boards and committees, including the National Council of Farmer Cooperatives, Skagit Farmers Supply and Land O’Lakes cooperatives.

He served with North Whidbey Fire and Rescue for 20 years and as a fire commissioner for 11 years. Muzzall and his family own and operate a family farm, marketing their local products in the community. A lifelong member of Oak Harbor Lutheran Church, he served multiple terms on the church council and as council pesident.

The Legislature convened on Jan. 9 and will work for a total of 105 days to pass the state’s two-year operating budget and other legislation before its scheduled adjournment on April 23.